May 3, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Casas goes deep, Granberg rips three hits for Drive
5/3 Cup of Coffee: It was a tough night across the organization, as the affiliates picked up only one win while the major league club was being dealt a devastating walk-off loss. Pawtucket went overtime to earn the split of its doubleheader, with usual contibutors Rusney Castillo and Josh Ockimey providing the lift. Devlin Granberg (pictured) delivered three hits and Triston Casas went deep in a Greenville loss, while Jarren Duran and his fellow Beer Mongers fell short in Salem.
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Little went right for the PawSox after a first-inning solo homer off the bat of Eduardo Nunez. The rehabbing utilityman, getting the start at designated hitter, also singled as he ramps himself up to return from the Injured List. Erasmo Ramirez struggled in his start, allowing five runs on five hits in four innings. He surrendered two homers, walked a pair, and did not record a strikeout.
The PawSox prevailed in a much more competitive contest in the nightcap. Rusney Castillo scored three runs as part of a 2-for-4 effort. Oscar Hernandez blasted a two-run homer, while Josh Ockimey tallied a double and a pair of walks. Ryan Weber allowed four runs in 3 2/3, though he did strike out seven. Jenrry Mejia earned his first win as a professional since 2015, striking out one in 1 2/3 hitless innings. Mejia is unscored upon in nine of his 11 outings this season.
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After holding Binghmaton to just one run over three games this past weekend, the floodgates opened back at Hadlock Field. Dustin Pedroia began his rehab assignment while returning to Portland for the first time since 2005 but was 0 for 3 on the night. Denyi Reyes continues to struggle to get on track following his breakout 2018 campaign. He allowed fives runs on six hits in six innings, striking out four and walking three while falling to 0-4 on the season. Control was a major issue for the bullpen. Brian Ellington allowed a run in two innings despite not surrendering a hit, as he walked three and hit a batter. Durbin Feltman also walked three in an inning of work, as he allowed four runs on three hits. Bobby Dalbec was a bright spot at the plate with a double, two walks, and Portland's only run scored.
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The Sox played Thursday evening as the "Beer Mongers," a nod to the Roanoke Valley's booming craft beer industry. Unfortunately, the bats appeared the be a bit hungover from Wednesday's eight-run, eleven-hit effort. Jarren Duran continues his stout performance, turning in his third consecutive 2-for-5 game. Duran's batting average sits at a cool .404, and he has multiple hits in 13 of his 25 games. After a slow start to the regular season, it has been a refreshing six-game hitting streak for Pedro Castellanos, who was 1 for 4 with a run driven in. On a sour note, Castellanos's power promise remains untapped, as he has yet to pick up his first homer of the year. Ryan Fitzgerald continues to produce at the keystone, barreling a pair of hits to raise his average to .351.
On the mound, Kutter Crawford was in search of the crisp balance that helped him to an outstanding April. Crawford allowed three runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. The eight punchouts were a highlight for the righthander. Eduard Bazardo infused some relief, going 2 1/3 shutout frames. He gave up just one hit, struck out four, and uncorked a wild pitch. Andrew Politi worked the closing shift, striking out three in two scoreless innings.
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It was a solid night from the Greenville lineup despite the result. 2018 first-round pick Triston Casas went deep for the second straight day as part of a 1-for-4 night. Casas now has 11 extra base hits on the year, putting him second in the organization behind Josh Ockimey. Devlin Granberg notched three hits for the second straight night, adding a double and driving in three runs. Alex Scherff gave up five runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking two.
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Player of the Day: Like most of the Greenville bats, Devlin Granberg got off to a tough start of the 2019 season. The 2018 sixth-round pick hit just .219/.329/.266 with one extra base hit while striking out in over 26% of his April plate appearances. It has been a welcome turn of calendar, as Granberg now has three hits in both of his May contests and already doubling his extra-base hit total.
Photo Credit: Devlin Granberg by Kelly O'Connor
Photo Credit: Devlin Granberg by Kelly O'Connor